October 2024
New study in the Clinical Studies in Oncology
A few weeks ago, the first patient, Sadie, was enrolled in the Scout Out Canine Hemangiosarcoma clinical trial. Led by David Vail (Department of Medical Sciences), the study aims to test a new immune-stimulating treatment to be used alongside chemotherapy for managing hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Currently, the disease has a less than 10% one-year survival rate. The study is named after Scout, the dog featured in the 2020 WeatherTech Super Bowl commercial dedicated to the SVM. His legacy continues as we find new options to end his disease. All clinical studies performed at the SVM are voluntary. Learn more about our clinical studies in oncology here.
 
K9 Iro's story: Community, Service and Unbreakable Bonds
In October 2023, K9 officer Iro, a three-year-old German Shepherd with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, sustained multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds in the line of duty while he and his handler, Deputy Blaine Evans, responded to a 911 call. With the aid of other law enforcement officers and agencies, Iro was rushed to the nearest veterinary emergency center. After six tenuous days and multiple surgeries, Iro was stable enough to be discharged – but he still had a long road to recovery ahead. As part of a program launched in 2016, UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) offers discounted care for Wisconsin law enforcement animals. Iro first came to see UWVC doctor of physical therapy Courtney Arnoldy (’94) in December 2023 and began an extensive rehabilitation program focused on his cervical spine and injuries to his right front and hind legs. Now, a year after the events that almost took his life, Iro has re-trained and is certified to return to the job he loves this fall. Iro’s story captured the hearts of his community, law enforcement colleagues and all of his care team. You can find an expanded version of Iro’s story our website or in next month’s issue of On Call magazine.
 
Celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week and National Pharmacy Week
While we appreciate them greatly every day, October is the month we officially celebrate and acknowledge the crucial work of veterinary technicians and pharmacists. This year, National Veterinary Technician week is October 13-19 and National Pharmacy Week is October 20-26.

Veterinary technicians are essential members in the industry, supporting veterinarians, animals and pet owners alike. Whether it be delivering clinical care, performing laboratory work, preparing patients for surgery, managing client communications and more, veterinary technicians are indispensable members of the veterinary care team. Pharmacists are also critical to the veterinary field, as they have the significant role of educating pet owners, working closely with veterinarians, maintaining medicine inventory and more. The relationship between pharmacists, veterinarians and pet owners ensure that each pet receives the utmost quality care.

“The field of veterinary medicine wouldn’t exist without the roles of veterinary technicians and pharmacists,” says Chris Snyder, director, UW Veterinary Care, and associate dean for clinical affairs. “It’s important that we take the time to give thanks to these vital team members and show our respect and admiration.”
 
The SVM community honors and appreciates veterinary technicians and pharmacists in October and all throughout the year – thank you!
 
SVM Honored with HEED Award
Three schools at UW-Madison – Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing – have been honored with the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the first HEED Award for the School of Veterinary Medicine and recognizes the School’s commitment to cultivating inclusive practitioners and fostering a community of belonging.

"I am immensely proud that UW–Madison's School of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, and School of Veterinary Medicine are recognized nationally for their steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence and celebrated as leaders in health education,” said LaVar J. Charleston (MS’07 PhD’10), UW–Madison’s Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence. “This reflects our collective efforts to foster a learning environment that deeply values inclusion and a sense of belonging across our education, clinical practice, training, and service. I take great pride in our Badger students who are at the forefront of cutting-edge research, contributing to advancements in healthcare and ensuring wellbeing is accessible to all."
 
New Clinical Study in Small Animal Internal Medicine
A new clinical study, “Dogs Hospitalized with Nasogastric vs Nasoesophageal Feeding Tubes,” is being administered through the SVM’s Clinical Studies in Small Animal Internal Medicine. The study aims to see if there is a difference in pH (to reflect acid reflux) in nasogastric versus nasoesophageal feeding tubes. To help science and dogs, consider including your dog in the study. To view eligibility requirements and learn more, visit our website or contact Amy Elbe at clinicalstudies@vetmed.wisc.edu or (608) 890-3484.
 
In the News
The World Dairy Expo, held annually in Madison, offers an excellent opportunity for our DVM students and our dedicated faculty and staff to shine. Read more about this year’s event in Dairy Herd Management.

Calico Schmidt (’88 DVM’92; Department of Pathobiological Sciences) was recently featured in two news articles for Inverse. She discussed whether it was safe for cats to sleep in beds with their humans, and also talked about whether pumpkin spice is safe for dogs.
 
SOCIAL ANIMALS
 
Highlights from social media mentions of UW Veterinary Care
and the UW School of Veterinary Medicine
"110 days… It has been a little over 3 months since I have swung a leg over Kanga, but that changed last night!! Kanga had a very scary injury that left our family speechless. But with the help from so many amazing equine specialists Kanga is back in the saddle!! Thank you so much to UW Veterinary Care, Sierra Heikkila farrier services, Soft Hands Equine Massage Therapy, LLC and of course my family. Kanga would not be riding again if it wasn’t for these amazing people!" --- Zoe Zielinski via UWVC Facebook
 
 
 
 
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